Oral bioavailability enhancement of raloxifene by developing microemulsion using D-optimal mixture design: optimization and in-vivo pharmacokinetic study.

The objective of this work was to utilize a potential of microemulsion for the improvement in oral bioavailability of raloxifene hydrochloride, a BCS class-II drug with 2% bioavailability. Drug-loaded microemulsion was prepared by water titration method using Capmul MCM C8, Tween 20, and Polyethylene glycol 400 as oil, surfactant, and co-surfactant respectively. The pseudo-ternary phase diagram was constructed between oil and surfactants mixture to obtain appropriate components and their concentration ranges that result in large existence area of microemulsion. D-optimal mixture design was utilized as a statistical tool for optimization of microemulsion considering oil, Smix, and water as independent variables with percentage transmittance and globule size as dependent variables. The optimized formulation showed 100 ± 0.1% transmittance and 17.85 ± 2.78 nm globule size which was identically equal with the predicted values of dependent variables given by the design expert software. The optimized microemulsion showed pronounced enhancement in release rate compared to plain drug suspension following diffusion controlled release mechanism by the Higuchi model. The formulation showed zeta potential of value -5.88 ± 1.14 mV that imparts good stability to drug loaded microemulsion dispersion. Surface morphology study with transmission electron microscope showed discrete spherical nano sized globules with smooth surface. In-vivo pharmacokinetic study of optimized microemulsion formulation in Wistar rats showed 4.29-fold enhancements in bioavailability. Stability study showed adequate results for various parameters checked up to six months. These results reveal the potential of microemulsion for significant improvement in oral bioavailability of poorly soluble raloxifene hydrochloride.

Hemidesmus indicus and Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Affect Ischemia Reperfusion Injury in Isolated Rat Hearts.

Hemidesmus indicus (L.) R. Br. (HI) and Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L. (HRS) are widely used traditional medicine. We investigated cardioprotective effects of these plants applied for 15 min at concentrations of 90, 180, and 360 µg/mL in Langendorff-perfused rat hearts prior to 25-min global ischemia/120-min reperfusion (I/R). Functional recovery (left ventricular developed pressure-LVDP, and rate of development of pressure), reperfusion arrhythmias, and infarct size (TTC staining) served as the endpoints. A transient increase in LVDP (32%-75%) occurred at all concentrations of HI, while coronary flow (CF) was significantly increased after HI 180 and 360. Only a moderate increase in LVDP (21% and 55%) and a tendency to increase CF was observed at HRS 180 and 360. HI and HRS at 180 and 360 significantly improved postischemic recovery of LVDP. Both the drugs dose-dependently reduced the numbers of ectopic beats and duration of ventricular tachycardia. The size of infarction was significantly decreased by HI 360, while HRS significantly reduced the infarct size at all concentrations in a dose-dependent manner. Thus, it can be concluded that HI might cause vasodilation, positive inotropic effect, and cardioprotection, while HRS might cause these effects at higher concentrations. However, further study is needed to elucidate the exact mechanism of their actions.

Effect of Hemidesmus indicus on ischemia-reperfusion injury in the isolated rat heart.

The root extract of Hemidesmus indicus (Linn.) R. Br. (Asclepiadaceae) (HI) was studied for its cardioprotective effect in Langendorff-perfused rat hearts. HI was perfused for 15 min at a concentration of 0.09 g/L prior to 30 min global ischemia/120 min reperfusion (I/R). Recovery of functional parameters, reperfusion arrhythmias, and infarct size (TTC staining) served as the end-points. After 15 min of perfusion with HI, the left ventricular developed pressure (LVdevP) and HR (heart rate) were not altered significantly (p>0.05), as compared with the pre-drug values. During R, HI showed a significantly higher (p<0.05) recovery of LVdevP at nearly all time points. The recovery of maximal rate of pressure development (+dP/dtmax) and left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) at 40 min of R were significantly better than in non-treated controls. There was also a significant reduction in the total number of ventricular premature beats (VPB) and duration of ventricular tachycardia (VT). HI can protect ischemic myocardium against contractile dysfunction and reperfusion-induced arrhythmias and reduce the extent of irreversible tissue damage following I/R in rat hearts.

Subtherapeutic dose of pioglitazone reduces expression of inflammatory adipokines in db/db mice.

Agonists of the thiazolidinedione class of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma exhibit both insulin-sensitizing and anti-inflammatory effects. We hypothesized that pioglitazone might be able to exert its anti-inflammatory properties at a lower dose than that required for its insulin-sensitizing effect. In order to investigate this hypothesis, we evaluated the effects of pioglitazone on inflammatory as well as metabolic biomarkers in serum and white adipose tissue (WAT) at 2 different doses. Female db/db mice were treated orally with therapeutic (30 mg/kg) and subtherapeutic (3 mg/kg) doses of pioglitazone for 14 days followed by an oral glucose tolerance test. Other parameters measured were inflammatory markers such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and metabolic biomarkers in serum (insulin, glucose and adiponectin). Moreover, adiponectin, fatty acid-binding protein (aP2) and lipoprotein lipase (LPL) mRNA expression in WAT were determined by real-time PCR. A subtherapeutic dose of pioglitazone significantly suppresses the expression of TNF-alpha and IL-6 mRNA in WAT, but does not alter the serum glucose, insulin and WAT expression of adiponectin, adipocyte aP2 and LPL. A therapeutic dose of pioglitazone improves insulin sensitivity, enhances LPL, aP2 and adiponectin expression, and also suppresses TNF-alpha and IL-6 expression. In conclusion, the current study indicates that the anti-inflammatory effect of pioglitazone is produced at a subtherapeutic dose, which is considerably lower than the dose needed to produce any desired metabolic effects. Anti-inflammatory effects of pioglitazone may precede its insulin-sensitizing effects in db/db mice.

Anti-anaphylactic and antiasthmatic activity of Euphorbia thymifolia L. on experimental animals.

In Ayurveda, Euphorbia thymifolia L. (Euphorbiaceae) prescribed in the treatment of various ailments like bronchial asthma, cough, diarrhea and bleeding piles. The present study was investigated to evaluate antianaphylactic, mast cell stabilizing and antiasthmatic activity of methanol and aqueous extract of E. thymifolia (ET) on experimental animals. Anaphylaxis was induced by administration of horse serum and triple antigen vaccine intraperitoneal (i.p.) in albino Wistar rats. Extracts of ET were administered to the rats in dose of 250 and 500 mg/kg orally for 14 days. At the end of treatment, asthma score was measured and various blood parameters like differential count (DC), total WBC count and IgE were estimated. Interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5 and TNF-α were measured by ELISA commercial kit from BALF. Histopathological changes of lungs were observed. Antiasthmatic activity of extracts of ET was also studied on histamine-induced bronchospasm in guinea pigs. In vitro mast cell stabilizing activity of extracts was evaluated on compound 48/80 challenged rat intestinal mesenteric mast cells. The treatment with extracts of ET produced significant decrease in asthma score and they also brought to normalcy the increased total WBC, DC counts, serum IgE, TNF-α, IL-4 and IL-5 in BALF. The histopathological study further supported the protective effect of ET extracts. The pretreatment with extracts of ET displayed significant reduction in degranulation of mesenteric mast cell numbers. The treatment with extracts of ET significantly increased in time of PCD. Thus, these findings concluded that E. thymifolia could be effectively used in the treatment of anaphylaxis and asthma.

Synthesis, antileukemic and antiplatelet activities of 2,3-diaryl-6,7-dihydro-5H-1,4-diazepines.

The synthesis, antileukemic and antiplatelet activity evaluation of 2,3-diaryl-6,7-dihydro-5H-1,4-diazepines are described. In general, it was found that compound 17o showed moderate antileukemic activity against MOLT3 human leukemic cancer cell lines. An arachidonic acid induced platelet aggregation effect on washed rat platelets was studied. Compound 17i was found to be the most potent. The antiplatelet properties may be mediated by interference with the arachidonic acid pathway.

Nebivolol reduces experimentally induced warm renal ischemia reperfusion injury in rats.

Ischemia/reperfusion injury, which is commonly seen in the field of renal surgery or transplantation, is a major cause of acute renal failure. The objective of the present study was to examine the role of nebivolol in modulating peroxynitrite species-induced inflammation and apoptosis after renal warm ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats. The present study was designed to investigate the effects of nebivolol on the renal warm ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats treated with the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester. After right nephrectomy, nebivolol was administered for 15 days. On the 16(th) day, ischemia was induced in contra lateral kidney for 45 min, followed by reperfusion for 24 hr. Renal function, inflammation, and apoptosis were estimated at the end of 24 hr reperfusion. Nebivolol improved the renal dysfunction and reduced inflammation and apoptosis after renal ischemia/reperfusion injury. In conclusion, nebivolol shows potent anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory properties due to its NO-releasing property. These findings may have major implications in the treatment of human ischemic acute renal failure.

Effect of Vaccinium macrocarpon on MK-801-induced psychosis in mice.

OBJECTIVES: This study was aimed to investigate the effect of aqueous cranberry extract (ACE) on MK-801-induced psychosis in mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MK-801-treated mice were administered ACE (1 and 2 g/kg, p.o.) for 14 days. Various behavioral parameters and neurochemical estimations such as dopamine (DA), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), norepinephrine (NE), gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), glutamate, and glycine as well as markers of oxidative stress such as nitrite levels were measured. RESULTS: Psychosis-induced mice showed a significant elevation of immobility time in forced swim test, locomotor activity, and reduction in time of permanency in rota-rod test, escape latency time in Cook's pole test while treatment with ACE showed a significant alteration in above-mentioned behavioral parameters in MK-801-induced psychosis. Moreover, MK-801-induced psychosis in the mice showed a significant increase in DA, 5-HT, and NA levels and decrease in GABA, glutamate, and glycine levels in the brain. In contrast, treatment with ACE at both doses remarkably altered the neurochemical parameters. In addition, ACE-treated mice showed a substantial reduction in acetylcholinesterase, D-amino acid oxidase enzyme activity, and nitrite levels which were elevated by the administration of MK-801. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with ACE once for 14 days (1 and 2 g/kg) significantly ameliorated the behavioral symptoms in experimentally induced psychosis by virtue of neuromodulation and decreased oxidative stress.

Gender specific effect of progesterone on myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats.

The study was designed to investigate the effect of progesterone and its gender based variation on myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in rats. Adult Sprague Dawley rats were divided into vehicle treated reperfusion injury group male (I/R-M), female (I/R-F), ovariectomised (I/R-OVR) and progesterone treatment (I/R-M+PG, I/R-F+PG, I/R-OVR+PG) groups, respectively. I/R injury was produced by occluding the left descending coronary artery (LCA) for 1 h and followed by re-opening for 1 h. Progesterone (2 mg kg(-1) i.p.) was administered 30 min after induction of ischemia. Hemodynamic parameters (+/-dp/dt, MAP), heart rate, ST-segment elevation and occurrence of ventricular tachycardia (VT) were measured during the I/R period. The myocardial infarct area, oxidative stress markers, activities of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and creatine kinase (CK) were determined after the experiment along with the assessment of the effect on apoptotic activity by using DNA fragmentation analysis. Histological observations were carried out on heart tissue. Treatment with progesterone significantly (P<0.05) reduced infarct area, lipid peroxidation (LPO) level and activity of MPO in females (I/R-F+PG) as compared to ischemic females (I/R-F). Progesterone significantly (P<0.001, P<0.05) inhibited serum CK activity and incidences of VT in female rats. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, reduced glutathione (GSH) levels were significantly elevated (P<0.05) in I/R-F+PG group. Internucleosomal DNA fragmentation was less in I/R-F+PG group when compared to I/R-F group. The ischemic male and ovariectomised (I/R-M and I/R-OVR) counterparts did not show any significant change after progesterone treatment. In conclusion, the cardioprotective effect of progesterone on myocardial I/R injury induced damage is based on gender of the animal. The protective effect could be mediated by attenuation of inflammation and its possible interaction with endogenous estrogen.

Studies in 3,4-diaryl-1,2,5-oxadiazoles and their N-oxides: search for better COX-2 inhibitors.

A series of 3,4-diaryl-1,2,5-oxadiazoles and 3,4-diaryl-1,2,5-oxadiazole N-oxides were prepared and evaluated for COX-2 and COX-1 binding affinity in vitro and for antiinflammatory activity by the rat paw edema method. p-Methoxy (p-OMe) substituted compounds 9, 21, 34, 41, 42 showed COX-2 enzyme inhibition higher than that showed by compounds with other substituents. 3,4-Di(4-methoxyphenyl)-1,2,5-oxadiazole N-oxide (42) showed COX-2 enzyme inhibition of 54% at 22 micromol L(-1) and COX-1 enzyme inhibition of 44% at 88 micromol L(-1) concentrations, but showed very low in vivo anti-inflammatory activity. Its deoxygenated derivative (21) showed lower COX-2 enzyme inhibition (26% at 22 pmol L(-1)) and higher COX-1 enzyme inhibition (53% at 88 micromol L(-1)) but, marked in vivo anti-inflammatory activity (71% at 25 mg kg(-1)) vs. celecoxib (48% at 12.5 mg kg(-1)). Molecular modeling (docking) studies showed that the methoxy group is positioned in the vicinity of COX-2 secondary pocket and it also participates in hydrogen bonding interactions in the COX-2 active site. These preliminary studies suggest that p-methoxy (p-OMe) group in one of benzene rings may give potentially active leads in this series of oxadiazole/N-oxides.

Metformin reduces blood pressure and restores endothelial function in aorta of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

Effect of metformin treatment on blood pressure, endothelial function and oxidative stress in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes in rats was studied. In vitro effect of metformin on vascular reactivity to various agonist in the presence of metformin in untreated nondiabetic and STZ-diabetic rats were also studied. Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into nondiabetic and STZ-diabetic groups. Rats were further randomized to receive metformin (150 mg/kg) or vehicle for 4 weeks. Metformin treatment reduced blood pressure without having any significant effect on blood glucose level in STZ-diabetic rats. Enhanced phenylephrine (PE)-induced contraction and impaired acetylcholine (Ach)-induced relaxation in STZ-diabetic rats were restored to normal by metformin treatment. Enhanced Ach-induced relaxation in metformin-treated STZ-diabetic rats was blocked due to pretreatment with 100 microM of Nomega-nitro-L-arginine-methyl ester (L-NAME) or 10 microM of methylene blue but not 10 microM of indomethacin. Metformin treatment significantly increased antioxidant enzymes and reduced lipid peroxidation in STZ-diabetic rats. In vitro studies in aortic rings of untreated nondiabetic and STZ-diabetic rats showed that the presence of higher concentration of metformin (1 mM and 10 mM) significantly reduced PE-induced contraction and increased Ach-induced relaxation. Metformin per se relaxed precontracted aortic rings of untreated nondiabetic and STZ-diabetic rats in a dose-dependent manner. Pretreatment with L-NAME or removal of endothelium blocked metformin-induced relaxation at lower concentration (up to 30 microM) but not at higher concentration (above 30 microM). Metformin-induced relaxation was blocked in the presence of 1 mM of 4-aminopyridine, or 1 mM of tetraethylammonium but not in the presence of 100 microM of barium ion or 10 microM of glybenclamide. The restored endothelial function along with direct effect of metformin on aortic rings and reduced oxidative stress contributes to reduced blood pressure in STZ-diabetic rats. From the present study, it can be concluded that metformin administration to STZ-diabetic rats lowers blood pressure, and restores endothelial function.

Modification of biochemical parameters of gentamicin nephrotoxicity by coenzyme Q10 and green tea in rats.

The present study was designed to investigate the possible potential protective role of coenzymeQ10 (CoQ10; 10 mg/kg/day, ip) and/or green tea (GT; 25mg/kg/day, po) against gentamicin (GM) nephrotoxicity. Marked increase in the level of serum urea. creatinine and lipid peroxidation (LPO) content was found after administration of gentamicin (80 mg/kg/day, ip) for eight days along with significant decrease in the antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT) as well as brush border enzymes (Na+/K+ ATPase, Mg(+2)ATPase and Ca2+ ATPase). Treatment with CoQ10 or green tea alone with GM showed significant decrease in serum urea, creatinine and tissue LPO content and significant increase in antioxidant and membrane bound enzymes. Combined treatment with CoQ10 and green tea was more effective in mitigating adverse effect of GM nephrotoxicity. The present work indicated that CoQ10 and green tea due to their antioxidant activity modified the biochemical changes occurred during gentamicin nephrotoxicity and thus had a potential protective effect.

Pioglitazone, a PPARgamma agonist, restores endothelial function in aorta of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of pioglitazone (a PPAR gamma agonist) treatment on blood pressure, endothelial function, and oxidative stress in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. METHODS: Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into control (n=32) and STZ-diabetic (n=32) groups. Rats were further randomized to receive pioglitazone (10 mg/kg) or placebo for 4 weeks, and the following protocols were carried out. Blood pressure, blood glucose level, and body weight were measured. Thoracic aorta was isolated and the dose-response curve of phenylephrine (PE) in the presence or absence of Nomega-nitro-L-arginine-methyl ester (L-NAME) was recorded. The dose-response curve of acetylcholine (Ach) in the presence or absence of indomethacin, L-NAME, and methylene blue was recorded. Tone-related basal nitric oxide release experiments were carried out. Lipid peroxidation, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and reduced glutathione were estimated in liver, kidney, and aorta. Aortic nitrite levels were also measured. Further, in vitro effects of PE and Ach in the presence of pioglitazone (0.1 M-10 mM) were measured in aortic rings of nondiabetic and STZ-diabetic rats. Pioglitazone-induced relaxations were recorded in PE-contracted rings (with intact and denuded endothelium) in the presence of L-NAME and in KCl-contracted rings. RESULTS: Pioglitazone treatment reduced blood pressure without having any significant effect on blood glucose level and body weight of STZ-diabetic rats. Enhanced PE-induced contraction and impaired Ach-induced relaxations in STZ-diabetic rats were restored to normal by pioglitazone treatment. The presence of L-NAME but not indomethacin blocked Ach-induced relaxation in pioglitazone-treated STZ-diabetic rats. Basal nitric oxide release was significantly higher in pioglitazone-treated STZ-diabetic rats. Oxidative stress was significantly higher in STZ-diabetic rats and pioglitazone treatment significantly reduced it. High aortic nitrite levels of STZ-diabetic rats were significantly reduced by pioglitazone treatment. The presence of pioglitazone at higher concentrations (>10 muM), but not at lower concentrations, significantly changed the dose-response curve of PE or Ach. Pioglitazone relaxations at lower concentrations but not at higher concentrations were blocked by endothelium removal or by the presence of L-NAME. CONCLUSION: Pioglitazone administration reduced oxidative stress, which prevented the breakdown of nitric oxide and increased nitric oxide levels, thereby restoring the endothelial function in aorta of STZ-diabetic rat. Hence, from the present study it can be concluded that pioglitazone administration in STZ-diabetic rats lowers blood pressure, protects against oxidative stress, and restores endothelial function.

Antiurolithiatic effect of lithocare against ethylene glycol-induced urolithiasis in Wistar rats.

AIM: This study is aimed to investigate the protective effect of Lithocare (LC) (a polyherbal formulation) against ethylene glycol (EG) induced urolithiasis in Wistar rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The protective effect of LC (400 and 800 mg/kg) was evaluated using EG-induced urolithiasis in rats. RESULTS: Administration of EG in drinking water resulted in hyperoxaluria, hypocalcemia as well as an increased renal excretion of phosphate. Supplementation with LC significantly reduced the urinary calcium, oxalate, and phosphate excretion dose-dependently. There was a significant reduction in the levels of calcium, oxalate as well as a number of calcium oxalate crystals deposits in the kidney tissue of rats administered with LC in EG-treated rats. There was a significant reduction in creatinine, urea, uric acid, and blood urea nitrogen when LC was administered in EG-treated rats. CONCLUSIONS: From this study, it was concluded that the supplementation of LC protected EG-induced urolithiasis as it reduced the growth of urinary stones. The mechanism underlying this effect might be due to its antioxidant, diuretic, and reduction in stone-forming constituents.

Nanostructured lipid carriers for oral bioavailability enhancement of raloxifene: Design and in vivo study.

The objective of present work was to utilize potential of nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) for improvement in oral bioavailability of raloxifene hydrochloride (RLX). RLX loaded NLCs were prepared by solvent diffusion method using glyceryl monostearate and Capmul MCM C8 as solid lipid and liquid lipid, respectively. A full 3(2) factorial design was utilized to study the effect of two independent parameters namely solid lipid to liquid lipid ratio and concentration of stabilizer on the entrapment efficiency of prepared NLCs. The statistical evaluation confirmed pronounced improvement in entrapment efficiency when liquid lipid content in the formulation increased from 5% w/w to 15% w/w. Solid-state characterization studies (DSC and XRD) in optimized formulation NLC-8 revealed transformation of RLX from crystalline to amorphous form. Optimized formulation showed 32.50 ± 5.12 nm average particle size and -12.8 ± 3.2 mV zeta potential that impart good stability of NLCs dispersion. In vitro release study showed burst release for initial 8 h followed by sustained release up to 36 h. TEM study confirmed smooth surface discrete spherical nano sized particles. To draw final conclusion, in vivo pharmacokinetic study was carried out that showed 3.75-fold enhancements in bioavailability with optimized NLCs formulation than plain drug suspension. These results showed potential of NLCs for significant improvement in oral bioavailability of poorly soluble RLX.

Effect of pioglitazone on L-NAME induced hypertension in diabetic rats.

The present study investigates the effect of pioglitazone treatment on blood pressure, vascular reactivity and antioxidant enzymes in L-NAME induced hypertension in normal and STZ-diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced in male Sprague Dawley rats (200+/-15 g) by single intravenous injection of 55 mg/kg of streptozotocin (STZ). Rats were randomized into diabetic and nondiabetic groups, Nomega-nitro-L-arginine-methyl ester (L-NAME, 50 mg/kg) was administered in drinking water for 4 weeks. They were treated with pioglitazone (10 mg/kg/day, p.o.) for 4 weeks and following protocol was carried out. Blood pressure, blood glucose levels and body weight were measured. Thoracic aorta was isolated and dose response curve of phenylephrine (PE) with intact and denuded endothelium was recorded. Dose response curve of acetylcholine (Ach) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) was recorded in precontracted rings. Lipid peroxidation, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and reduced glutathione were estimated in liver, kidney, and aorta. Pioglitazone produced no significant effect on blood glucose levels, body weight and blood pressure of L-NAME administered nondiabetic and diabetic rats. Pioglitazone treatment had no significant effect on PE induced contraction and Ach induced relaxation in L-NAME diabetic and nondiabetic rats. SNP completely relaxed aortic rings of all the groups. Higher oxidative stress in case of diabetic rats was significantly (p<0.05) reduced by pioglitazone treatment. Although pioglitazone reduced oxidative stress in diabetic rats, there was no significant effect on blood pressure as there was complete absence of nitric oxide due to administration of L-NAME. Hence from the present study it can be concluded that reduction in blood pressure in case of STZ-diabetic rats is nitric oxide mediated.

Selective beta(1)-adrenoreceptor blocking activity of newly synthesized acyl amino-substituted aryloxypropanolamine derivatives, DPJ 955 and DPJ 890, in rats.

The in-vivo beta-adrenoreceptor antagonistic activity of test compounds DPJ 955 and DPJ 890 was assessed against beta-adrenoreceptor agonist (isoprenaline) induced tachycardia in anaesthetized rats. The selectivity to block isoprenaline responses on different &beta-adrenoreceptor subtypes (beta(1), beta(2) and beta(3)) of the test compounds was carried out on isolated rat right atria, isolated rat uterus and isolated rat colon preparations, respectively. Intravenous injection of isoprenaline alone in anaesthetized rats caused hypotension and tachycardia. DPJ 955 or DPJ 890 alone produced a fall in mean arterial pressure and bradycardia in a dose-dependent manner. Administration of isoprenaline to anaesthetized rats pre-treated with test compounds significantly blocked both the tachycardial and hypotensive responses induced by isoprenaline. The test compounds shifted the concentration response curves of isoprenaline towards the right for isolated rat right atrial preparations, rat uterus and rat colon, indicating beta(1), beta(2) and beta(3) adrenoreceptor blockade, respectively. The selectivity ratio for beta(1)/beta-adrenoreceptors to DPJ 955 and DPJ 890 was 64.6 and 83.2, respectively. DPJ 890 was more potent in blocking beta(1)-adrenoreceptors and was more selective towards beta(1) receptors than to other beta-adrenoreceptor subtypes. In conclusion, DPJ 955 and DPJ890 have beta-adrenoreceptor blocking activity with high selectivity for the beta(1)-adrenoreceptor subtype.

Effect of bis[curcumino]oxovanadium complex on non-diabetic and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

The effect of the vanadium complex bis[curcumino]oxovanadium (BCOV) on blood glucose level, serum lipid levels, blood pressure and vascular reactivity were studied in non-diabetic and streptozotocin-induced diabetic (STZ-diabetic) rats and compared to that of vanadyl sulfate. Blood glucose level, serum lipid levels, and blood pressure were significantly increased in STZ-diabetic rats. Vascular reactivity to various agonists such as noradrenaline and acetylcholine were significantly increased in STZ-diabetic rats. Blood glucose and serum lipid levels were restored to normal in STZ-diabetic animals treated with vanadyl sulfate at a concentration of 0.5 mmol/kg/day (p.o.). However, vanadyl sulfate at a concentration of 0.2 mmol/kg/day (p.o.) did not produce any significant change in blood glucose and lipid levels. There was no significant effect of vanadyl sulfate (0.2 or 0.5 mmol/kg/day) treatment on blood pressure and vascular reactivity in STZ-diabetic rats. Vanadyl sulfate significantly reduced the body weight of non-diabetic and STZ-diabetic rats. Moreover, it also caused severe diarrhea in both groups of animals. Treatment with BCOV (0.05, 0.1 and 0.2mmol/kg/day, p.o.) significantly decreased blood glucose level and serum lipids in STZ-diabetic rats. Furthermore, administration of BCOV to STZ-diabetic rats restored the blood pressure and vascular reactivity to agonists to normal. There was no significant change in the body weight of BCOV treated non-diabetic and STZ-diabetic rats. Diarrhea was not observed in both BCOV treated groups. In conclusion, the present study shows that the vanadium complex BCOV has antidiabetic and hypolipedimic effects. In addition, it improves the cardiovascular complications associated with diabetes.

Protective effect of simvastatin and rosuvastatin on trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid-induced colitis in rats.

OBJECTIVE: Statins have anti-inflammatory effects that are not directly related to their cholesterol lowering activity. This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of simvastatin or rosuvastatin on the extent of colonic mucosal damage and on the inflammatory response in trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced ulcerative colitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ulcerative colitis was induced by single intrarectal injection of 120 mg/kg TNBS. Test groups were treated with simvastatin (10 mg/kg, p.o.) or rosuvastatin (10 mg/kg, p.o.). Colonic mucosal inflammation was evaluated clinically, biochemically, and histologically. RESULT: Disease activity index score in TNBS-treated rats, as determined by weight loss, stool consistency, fecal occult blood, were significantly lowers in simvastatin or rosuvastatin-treated rats than TNBS-treated animals. Simvastatin or rosuvastatin counteracted the reduction in colon length, decreased colon weight, neutrophil accumulation, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha level in TNBS-induced colitis. Simvastatin and rosuvastatin also inhibited the increase in oxidative stress levels after TNBS administration. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that simvastatin and rosuvastatin significantly ameliorate experimental colitis in rats, and these effects could be explained by their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity.

Maxcal-C (a polyherbal formulation) prevents ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis in rats.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to investigate the anti-osteoporotic activity of Maxcal-C in ovariectomy (OVX)-induced osteoporosis in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sham-operated control rats were designated as Group I; Group II animals served as OVX control; Group III OVX control rats treated with Calcium Sandoz (50 mg/kg, p.o.); Group IV and V OVX control rats treated with Maxcal-C (250 and 500 mg/kg, p.o.), respectively. All the aforementioned treatments were given for four weeks after the development of osteoporosis. At the end of the treatment, serum biochemical parameters such as serum calcium and alkaline phosphate were measured. After sacrificing the animals, femoral bone parameters with histology, body weight, and bone breaking strength of 5(th) lumbar vertebra were measured. RESULTS: The treatment with Maxcal-C showed a significant improvement in serum biochemical, femoral bone parameters, and bone breaking strength of 5(th) lumbar vertebra with histopathological changes. CONCLUSION: The finding of the present study indicates that Maxcal-C showed a potential anti-osteoporotic activity. These results support the traditional use of Maxcal-C in the treatment of osteoporosis.